A PAIR OF GOLF GTI CLUBSPORT 24H WILL SOON TAKE ON THE 24-HOUR RACE ON THE GREEN HELL IN FRONT OF 200,000 SPECTATORS.
Volkswagen is turning up the heat at this year’s ADAC 24-hour Nürburgring race with a full-blown Golf GTI celebration that’s as much about heritage as it is about horsepower. Kicking off the weekend on Friday, 20 June, the brand will unveil a world-first: the most powerful production Golf GTI ever made. Details are still tightly under wraps, but this secret weapon is a special anniversary model crafted to honour the GTI’s upcoming 50th birthday in 2025. A day later, the action shifts to the infamous “Green Hell” as two heavily enhanced Golf GTI Clubsport 24h racers go head-to-head with the brutal Nürburgring circuit and an expected crowd of 200,000 fans. These aren’t just race cars—they’re rolling labs for innovation. Powered by Shell E20 bioethanol fuel developed with VW, they’re faster, cleaner, and sharper than ever, running in the AT3 alternative fuel class. Behind the wheels are GTI veterans and pros, including Benny Leuchter, Johan Kristoffersson, and Fabian Vettel, all representing Max Kruse Racing in two different cars.
The Clubsport 24h’s got the numbers to back the hype—397 PS, a 265 km/h top speed, and refined aero thanks to revised rear wing placement for reduced drag and stable downforce. The cars also benefit from lighter Protrac wheels, improved weight distribution, a lower centre of gravity, and greater mechanical durability—essentials when facing 24 hours of unpredictable weather, debris-strewn corners, and overtakes at warp speed. Last year’s team took the AT3 class win, and they’re aiming for a repeat, but as Jasmin Preisig puts it, the Nürburgring is always the toughest opponent. Away from the grid, Volkswagen will be putting on a show of its own, with a GTI parade of 40 cars spanning all eight generations, plus public displays of the all-electric ID. GTI Concept and the new-look Golf R. Toss in some hot laps in simulators at the Volkswagen World showcase, and it’s a full-tilt festival for VW fanatics.
Take a look at the YouTube video that kicks off a series created by Volkswagen to keep fans up to date on these special Clubsport racecars and their setup and development for the upcoming race season: Our Road to 24h Nürburgring – Episode 1: Chasing the Perfect Setup with @bilsteinUS | Volkswagen News
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